India’s historic twin Test series victories in Australia were greatly influenced by their impressive bowling line-up. However, the gap between Jasprit Bumrah (32 wickets) and the other bowlers was clear in their recent 3-1 Border-Gavaskar Trophy series loss to Australia.

The inexperience of pacers and over-reliance on Bumrah does raise questions on India’s fast-bowling stocks for the future. Sunil Joshi, ex-India spinner and chief selector during India’s 2-1 series victory in Australia in 2020-21, is optimistic about the fast-bowling prospects, but felt India missed having a left-arm pacer in their line-up.